Puppy sales by stores would be locally regulated under measure passed by NY Legislature

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Local governments would be able to regulate the sale of puppies at pet stores under legislation that won final passage in the state Legislature.

Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, debates on the floor of the state Assembly.Assemblywoman Rosenthal's Office

The bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, is aimed at cracking down on puppy mills, where dogs are often kept in crowded, inhumane conditions to produce puppies for profit. It was sponsored in the Senate by Mark Grisanti, R-Buffalo.

Currently, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulates all sales of animals by pet dealers. The new law would allow municipalities to enact local laws more stringent than state regulations.

The bill was supported by animal welfare groups as well as the state Association of Counties, Conference of Mayors and Association of Towns. It awaits Gov. Andrew Cuomo's approval.